Sunday Morning

Covid countermeasures canned amid chorus of commentators urging us to 'open up'; new talk station offers new approach - but also same old bluster; new TV channels add entertainment options.

The math, as they say, appears to be stacking up against the Russian forces - both physically and emotionally - as the invasion of Ukraine rolls into its second month. Dr Dmitry Gorenburg joins the show to discuss the situation in Ukraine.

On The Weekend Panel last Sunday it was claimed that the Russian businessman, Alexander Abramov, is a "close mate" of President Putin and is supporting the Russian effort in Ukraine. RNZ accepts that these allegations are incorrect. Mr Abramov is not the subject of sanctions anywhere in the world and RNZ apologises to Mr Abramov.

Eyes are sometimes raised when people are asked to remove their shoes before entering someone else's home. However, new research has shown that wearing shoes inside the house is not only gross, but a real health threat.

The city of Lviv and surrounding region had only endured a few attacks prior to today,.However, several powerful explosions have struck the outskirts of the western Ukrainian city this afternoon. Lviv. Terajima reports.

There is endless variety when it comes to the types of music people like waking up to. But there is no debating what the best song is for any time of the day. According to science, it's The Police's 1983 hit 'Everything Breath You Take.'

For every study promoting wine or coffee as being beneficial to your health, there's another telling you to either reduce consumption or cut them out of your diet altogether. Journalist Nicole Schmidt has been looking into the topic.

On this day in 1982, a big run began for  Ottowan and their one-hit wonder, 'Hands Up.' The track was camped at the top of the New Zealand charts for nine weeks. And then another local song borrowed the tune - 'Give It A Boot, Robbie.'

If you struggle with spontaneity, you are probably lacking in a personality trait called openness to experience. However, there are ways you can start saying yes to new opportunities more often. Professor Art Markman explains.

Belinda Waymouth is an environmental journalist and advocate who lives in Santa Monica with her husband, the stand-up comedian Jake Johannsen, and 17-year-old daughter, Fionnula. She's Calling Home this morning.